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Wednesday
27Jan2010

ORMONDE JAYNE LUXURY PERFUMES

Ormonde Jayne luxury bath oil

Ormonde Jayne is a niche luxury perfumery tucked away in the Royal Arcade just off London's Old Bond Street. Founded by perfumer Linda Pilkington in 2002 this exclusive perfume range is one of London's best kept secrets and was recently selected as one of the six Brands of Tomorrow by Walpole (an organisation that promotes British luxury brands.) In keeping with their philosophy of quality and luxury they use rare specialty oils to create memorable and unique scents.

Ormonde Jayne were kind enough to send us samples from their perfume range which included Ta'if (a complex, warm and spicy rose scent), Osmanthus (a crisp, citrusy floral) and Orris Noir (a spicy, rich scent containing iris, pink pepper and patchouli). Our favourite is the luxurious and intriguing Tolu which has bright opening notes of sweet orange blossom and clary sage drying down to reveal warm, rich notes of amber and golden frankincense. It's definitely a scent to wear for a glamorous evening occasion and is best kept for the cooler autumn and winter months. We asked our lucky panel of testers to give us their thoughts on some of these beautiful perfumes.

Glenda, Legal Consultant, London

Sampaquita

Top Notes: lychee, grass oil, bergamot and magnolia
Heart: sampaquita absolute, freesia, muguet, rose and water lilies 
Base: musk, vetiver, moss and ambrette seed

Impressions: This was a very "grown up" and sophisticated perfume. I liked its initial smell and when it settled down it maintained well.

Frangipani

Top Notes: linden blossom, magnolia flower and lime peel
Heart: white frangipani, jasmine, rose and tuberose absolutes, water lilies, plum, green orchid oil
Base: amber, musk, cedar and french vanilla aboslute

Impressions: Initially I thought this was overly sweet but as it settled down I liked it more. It's the sort of perfume you'd wear on a summer's day.

Ormonde Jayne luxury perfume

Jo, Doctor, London

Ormonde Woman

Top Notes: cardamon, coriander and grass oil
Heart: black hemlock, violet and jasmine absolute
Base: vetiver, cedar wood, amber and sandalwood.

Impressions: I like slightly woody and spicy fragrances that are long lasting but not too potent. This perfume is very potent and stays on very well. It reminds me of the scent you get when you mix fragrances together. It was a bit heady for me but if you like more masculine fragrances you'll probably enjoy wearing it. 

Patricia, Risk Consultant, London

Tolu

Top Notes: orange blossom, clary sage, juniper berry
Heart: orchid, moroccan rose and juguet 
Base: tolu, tonka bean, golden frankincense and amber.

Impressions: I loved this fragrance as soon as I tried it. It's sophisticated and strong but not too overpowering. Perfumes don't usually last on me but this one lasted all day. I think it's more of an evening perfume but I'd be happy to wear it during the day and I'd definitely wear it again.

Ormonde Jayne luxury fragrance gift

The Ormonde Jayne range also includes luxury bathing oils (£48) and scented candles (from £38). The perfumes are presented in elegant glass bottles and packaged in Ormonde Jayne's signature vibrant mandarin and ebony boxes. Prices start at £68.00 for 50ml of the Eau de Parfum and if you can't make it to the London store you can buy their fragrances online.

Ormonde Jayne
12 The Royal Arcade,
28 Old Bond Street,
London, W1S 4SL
Web: www.ormondejayne.com

 

All photos courtesy of Ormonde Jayne

All information is as accurate as possible at the time of publication and is for informational purposes only. Any links provided are for your own convenience and further information. We are not liable for the quality of services, goods or content provided by third parties.

DateWednesday, January 27, 2010 in CommentAdd Your Comment
Monday
25Jan2010

CLAIRE HANSON MAKEUP

Claire Hanson makeupartist

If you're stuck in a makeup rut or simply want a new look for the new year treat yourself to a makeup lesson with one of the UK's leading makeup artists Claire Hanson. With over 15 years experience Claire has worked at prestigious events such as London Fashion Week and her work has been featured in major international publications including Marie Claire, Elle and Condé Nast Traveller.

Claire's one-to-one and group makeup lessons will teach you everything you need to know from how to choose colours to applying the perfect foundation and achieving a natural makeup look. As well as introducing you to new products Claire can show you how to revamp your makeup style using your existing makeup. Prices start from £120 for a 2 hour lesson and Claire can tailor her lessons and workshops to suit your individual needs.

Claire's Top Tips for Applying Your Makeup

Foundation
The right colour of foundation will blend well and you won't see it at the jawline. If you don't like wearing foundation mix a little with your moisturiser. Warm it on the back of your hand before applying it and don't apply it too thickly or it can look streaky

Dark Circles
A light dab of concealer starting from the inner corner of the eye is enough to hide dark circles. Light reflecting powder is also excellent for reducing darkness. Apply with a brush sweeping it just beneath the eye.

Bronzer
For a healthy glow apply a little bronzer on the forehead, nose and chin. Use sparingly to avoid a shine.

natural makeup look by makeup artist Claire Hanson

Eyeshadow
For long-lasting eye colour start by applying a colour-free lid foundation. Dab loose powder around your lashes and on the cheekbones so you can brush away any eye shadow that falls from your lids as you apply it. Apply a little light reflecting powder to the eye sockets near the nose to open up your eyes.

Now you can apply your colour starting with a natural shade on the lid. Build up and out using slightly deeper shades finishing with the darkest shade at the outer edge of the eye socket. The secret is to build up the colour gradually and blend as you go.

makeup by Claire Hanson

Cheeks & Lips
Use a large brush to apply blusher to your cheeks, temples and forehead. Line your lips with a dab of foundation to help fix your lip colour. Then apply a lipliner in a shade that's similar to your natural lip colour. Don't use a lip liner if you're wearing a nude gloss or sheen. Finally apply your lipstick using a lipbrush.

makeup by Claire Hanson

To book a lesson with Clare and to view her portfolio visit www.clairehansonmakeup.com

 

All photos courtesy of Claire Hanson

 All information is as accurate as possible at the time of publication and is for informational purposes only. Any links provided are for your own convenience and further information. We are not liable for the quality of services, goods or content provided by third parties.

DateMonday, January 25, 2010 in CommentAdd Your Comment
Monday
25Jan2010

MANDARIN ORIENTAL SPA

If one of your New Year's resolutions was to take more care of yourself a trip to one of London's most luxurious spas could be in order. The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental offers eight private treatment rooms and you can relax in the serenity of the Amethyst Crystal Steam room, the Vitality pool or the calming Zen Colour Therapy Relaxation room.

For a simple but effective relaxing treatment The Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapy (£240) consists of a body massage using essential oils created specifically for the Spa by Aromatherapy Associates. The treatment lasts for 1 hour 50 minutes and the oils used are tailored specifically to you to help you feel relaxed and balanced.

If you're short on time try the Early Energiser Treatment (£85) which lasts for 45 minutes. You'll enjoy a soothing aromatherapy massage and a light spa breakfast. This package is available between 7am and 9:30am (Mon - Fri) and you'll have complementary use of the gym.

 

Fans of ESPA skincare products can book the Customised Holistic Facial (£105) during which your therapist will use ESPA products chosen specifically to suit your skin's needs.

To book a treatment call 0207 838 9888 or visit the website at www.mandarinoriental.com

 

 

All photos courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental Group

All information is as accurate as possible at the time of publication and is for informational purposes only. Any links provided are for your own convenience and further information. We are not liable for the quality of services, goods or content provided by third parties.

DateMonday, January 25, 2010 in , CommentAdd Your Comment
Monday
25Jan2010

LILY LOLO BEDAZZLED MINERAL MAKEUP KIT

Lily Lolo Bedazzled mineral makeup kitBrighten up winter skin with makeup from Lily Lolo's Bedazzled Mineral Makeup Kit (£22.00). The kit contains two vibrant eye shadows, one blush and a lipgloss in your choice of colours.

rosy apple mineral blush by Lily LoloFor a natural look try the softly shimmering Pink Champagne and Brown eyeshadows with a light dusting of the Rosy Apple Blush (shown right).


Lily Lolo are committed to keeping their makeup as natural as possible so they try to use as few ingredients as they can in their products. You can buy their makeup online at www.lilylolo.co.uk

 

All photos courtesy of Lily Lolo

All information is as accurate as possible at the time of publication and is for informational purposes only. Any links provided are for your own convenience and further information. We are not liable for the quality of services, goods or content provided by third parties.

DateMonday, January 25, 2010 in CommentAdd Your Comment
Monday
25Jan2010

NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES: ROSE BODY CREAM

Neals Yard Remedies rose body creamOne of our top beauty picks for winter is Neal's Yard Remedies Rose Body Cream (£25.10/150g). Containing organic shea butter, hazelnut oil and rose absolute this deliciously scented cream has a smooth, creamy texture that leaves parched winter skin feeling velvety soft. For stockist information visit www.nealsyardremedies.com

 

 


Photo courtesy of Neal's Yard Remedies

 

All information is as accurate as possible at the time of publication and is for informational purposes only. Any links provided are for your own convenience and further information. We are not liable for the quality of services, goods or content provided by third parties.

DateMonday, January 25, 2010 in CommentAdd Your Comment